Other News - 07/08/2005

European Regions Airline Assn. member carriers flew 11.1% more RPKs in the first quarter on an ASK increase of 8.5% as compared to the prior-year period. Load factor was 56.9%. ERA also said average trip distance flown by members rose to 555 km. from 521 km. in the 2004 quarter. The association said new routes spanning Eastern, Central and Western Europe and the presence of more turbofan aircraft in members' fleets contributed to the increase.

ATW On-Location

Openness to a restructuring of FAA—including fundamental air traffic control (ATC) reform—appears to be widespread in government and among industry stakeholders, but disputes over the agency’s funding threaten to unravel any potential consensus on reorganizing FAA....More

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner continued to lobby on behalf of a long-term reauthorization of the US Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im), saying elimination of Ex-Im financing for commercial aircraft would have a seriously negative impact on Boeing and the US economy....More

Etihad Airways president and CEO James Hogan has made his first public comments on the growing campaign by the three largest US carriers against the three Gulf airlines they say operate on the basis of unfair government subsidies....More

With flight tests of the long-delayed Bombardier CSeries past the half-way stage and certification now on track for year end, key leasing companies say the airliner’s longer term success hinges on execution of the final approval phase to service entry as well as building credibility by attracting big orders....More